Mother's Day started in the United States about 150 years ago when an Appalachian homemaker named Anna Jarvis organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it "Mother's Work Day."

In 1905, when Anna Jarvis died, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day."

For Truett-McConnell College, the observance of Mother's Day is far more historical; it harks to Old Testament times and Proverbs 31, where the woman of noble character is valued more highly than costly jewels, and whose praise is declared in the city gate.

Click the image above for a larger sizeYou can publicly honor the Proverbs 31 woman in your life, whether she is your mother or the mother of your children. Of such a woman God's word says: "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.'"

Truett-McConnell officials have designated a prominent wall in the newly remodeled dining hall, where an elegantly engraved plaque honoring the woman of noble character in your life will be displayed alongside many others.

The TMC dining hall, much like the kitchen in your home, is a place of hospitality as well as nourishment for the body and soul. So many heart-warming family memories have their foundation in the ministry of a loving wife and dedicated mother, whose commitment to God and family wrought joy and comfort to those whose lives she touched.

Your gift of $1,500 will not only procure the plaque, but will also help defray the costs of construction and furnishings in a facility that reflects the service of Proverbs 31 women. Your tax-deductible gift toward the plaque's purchase may be a one-time donation or given over a period of time.

If you wish to revere the women of noble character in your life and support an institution that educates young people in the way they should go, then please contact me. I will be more than happy to assist you.